It’s been a long time since I wrote anything over a beat much less with a rhythm that’s outside of my head. This piece is written roughly around the instrumental for “Don’t Worry” by G. Herbo and Bibby. I took the “I’m Determined” cut and used it as the title. Although the entire instrumental carries the framework the true meaning of what’s being said is captured with those 2 words.

I was just trying to live
But I didn’t understand shit
Best of the best sitting on a cliff
Cut my strings
So I had to hand over hand it
For a little bit
Came back to my senses
Stuck in a harsh life
They said I was destined
So I didn’t understand it
How did they build me a castle on sinking sand
On one hand was the claim to my birthright
But I was standing
On the other … Continue reading

So much to say
That would make this world a better place
But I’m not the one to say it
Too caught up in self
I wish I was in a better place
A different universe
A better space
Committed the crime of life
Now I’m asking the judge for a better case
But death is such a waste
and I’ve had it up to here
Since you can’t see
My hand is about at my waist
Humour
Ruining the joke
By saying
I’ll elaborate just in case
It sounds like I’m angry
Or struggling
And add
Let me rephrase
Boredom
What’s the meaning of life
What’s the meaning of fate
What’s the meaning of love
What’s the meaning of hate
What’s the meaning of yelp
Why do we exchange
What’s the meaning of rates
Man made constructs
We have to follow
Rules created by a legion of greats
Irony… Continue reading

I can’t
I don’t know where to start
“This one is no good.”
The words that are stuttered
After they put us in a line up
Couldn’t tell me apart
I can’t
Say what’s on my mind
Frustrated at not playing a part
“Trying to be creative?”
The question I’m asked
After they read each line
Concluded I’m “tryna be smart”
I can’t
Be an ass pulling a cart
“Said the clown claiming hard work”
The thing that gets whispered
About my contribution to the line
Reveals my speed makes them see me in park
I can’t
I’m tired
It’s breaking my heart
Wondering if I made a mistake
And where did it start… Continue reading

Life is like a graphic novel
For anyone
Coming out of a tragic hovel
Beautiful women
Broken up
Before they become classic models
His mother’s an old girl
Classic model

She grew [knowing no] better
Writing her story
Hoping history will never forget her
Playing the role of boy’s first lady
He was mother’s first baby
Getting caught up in the thirst
Maybe
Led to the hunger for riches
Getting satisfied by a pale Lacey
Mind in the clouds
Getting lifted by the haze
Old young
Forgetting his age
Man now
Two days later
All they hear is
Man down
Better of the best
Hands down
Stand-up guy
But the world never met him
Reality setting
Sunshine fades
And now they’re standing by his grave
Reality set in
They have to defend the crown of the king
This poor war was only made for the ones who’ll win
They know … Continue reading

Dear yesterday
The things that matter
Were her and I
Girl and guy
Together in a world
With dreams
No skies
It was the same
As the day before
But here I am today
Being told I love her less
Because I didn’t give her more
But the day before
I showed her that
Every day I see her grow
And without realising I love her more

Dear yesterday
The things that matter
I couldn’t find in a store
Her smile
Her eyes
The truth that lies
Beneath her clothes
Beneath her skin
The feeling that causes shivers
From tip to toes
And she tilts her head
As I kiss her nose
Is what I did
The day before
Buy every year
You tell me I love her less
Because I didn’t give her more

Dear yesterday
You’ve become part of the playbook
A sheet in the binder
Well drawn … Continue reading